London suburban housing project wins top UK architecture award

Williamson shared with the BBC that before he pursued architecture studies, he lived in a council estate located in the East Midlands. Reflecting on his visits back, he noted that all the council houses there have since been sold into private ownership. While this shift supports the idea of a homeowning democracy, Williamson expressed concern that these properties have not been replaced. He emotionally remarked, “Every time I go back… I think ‘where would we have lived?'”

This personal connection made the project particularly meaningful for him. Williamson highlighted that many people from similar backgrounds endure poor living conditions, often residing in temporary accommodation that lacks safety and security. In contrast, the houses involved in this development are excellent and part of a mixed scheme that fosters a vibrant atmosphere. For Williamson, working on this project was both inspiring and emotionally significant.

Duggan, who grew up in south-west London, described the scheme as a departure from traditional suburban housing designs, which typically focus on roads, private gardens, and clearly separated front and back yards. Instead, the development features winding paths and landscaping that weave through the buildings, creating connections between blocks and shared outdoor areas. Her aim was to design a public space where residents would feel a true sense of belonging.

The housing site is positioned along Lion Green Road, bordered to the south by low-rise housing built on higher ground within a green belt area, and to the north by conventional suburban streets. Duggan emphasized the importance of progressive housing, ensuring that residents have access to green spaces and allotments, enhancing their living environment beyond just the residential buildings themselves

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More